The comparison of the BMW X5 and the Lexus RX is a duel between two of the most purchased luxury crossover SUVs in the United States. The Lexus RX has been a top seller for well over a decade, and it continues its dominance as the best-selling model in the midsize luxury SUV market segment by a large margin. A half-size larger than the RX, the X5 is second in sales among midsize luxury SUVs.
Both the BMW X5 and Lexus RX are 5-passenger vehicles, but their emphasis differs significantly. Calling itself a "sports activity vehicle," the X5 offers sporty driving characteristics. It stresses handling over ride comfort, although its ride quality is comfy enough. Meanwhile, the Lexus RX emphasizes a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. It handles well but doesn't offer the speed or handling prowess of the top X5 trims.
The available powertrain choices tell much of the tale. The BMW X5 offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine enhanced by 48-volt mild-hybrid technology in its base trims. The high-output X5 M60i has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. For its part, the Lexus RX offers a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and three hybrid choices. The RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid is the RX's highest-performing version, but it doesn't match the go-power of the X5 M60i.
The BMW X5 and Lexus RX have 2-wheel-drive base models, but the X5 is rear-wheel drive (RWD) while the RX is front-wheel drive (FWD). All-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of both models are readily available. Still, neither prepares their drivers for heavy-duty off-roading. Instead, they make driving in inclement weather feel more secure. You can learn which of these luxury crossovers could suit you in this step-by-step comparison of the 2024 BMW X5 and the 2024 Lexus RX.
2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e
For 2024, the BMW X5 offers customers the choice of five variants: sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive 50e, and the performance-oriented M60i and X5 M Competition. As indicated by the sDrive nomenclature, the sDrive40i is a RWD vehicle. The remaining entries in the 2024 BMW X5 lineup have standard AWD.
The sDrive40i is the least expensive of the 2024 X5 models. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $66,195, including the $995 destination charge. The very similarly equipped xDrive 40i with standard AWD has a suggested base price of $68,495. The xDrive50e, powered by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, has a suggested starting price of $73,495. Well-heeled buyers seeking high performance can opt for the $90,295 M60i. Or they can take the ultimate plunge and pay more than $120,000 for the X5 M Competition.
The 2024 Lexus RX offers buyers a wide array of trims and powertrains. Lexus builds five conventionally powered trims: RX 350, RX 350 Premium, RX 350 Premium+, RX 350 Luxury, and RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD. It also builds six hybrid trims: RX 350h AWD, RX 350h Premium AWD, RX 350h Premium+ AWD, RX 350h Luxury AWD, RX 450h+ Luxury AWD, and RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD. Those who want a plug-in hybrid can find it in the RX 450h+ Luxury AWD.
Buyers will find the entry-level RX models much lower-priced than the base X5. The RX 350 is the least costly RX with a suggested starting price of $49,950 in FWD form and $51,550 with AWD (Prices include the $1,350 destination charge). The RX 350 Premium+ begins at $53,950 when equipped with FWD. Lexus caters to the performance crowd with the RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD at a suggested base price of $58,550. Among the hybrids, the least expensive model is the RX 350h AWD, with a base of $52,100. The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ has a starting price of $70,580.
Advantage: Lexus RX
2024 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD
The BMW X5 ranks third in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The X5 ranks third in its segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2024 BMW X5 has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Lexus RX is the highest-ranked model in the Midsize Premium SUV segment in the 2024 VDS but does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2023 IQS.
The 2024 Lexus RX has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Lexus RX
2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e
Following the rules of its model naming scheme, BMW associates powertrains with model designations. The 2024 BMW X5 sDrive40i and xDrive 40i share a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine enhanced by 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The engine's 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission has an integral electric motor that can contribute 12 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque.
The high-output X5 M60i brings 523 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque to the party via its new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. It has a mild-hybrid system very similar to the sDrive40i and xDrive40i. BMW equips the very expensive X5 M Competition with a 617-hp twin-turbocharged V8.
The plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive50e combines its electric drive with the turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. It gets juice from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a 25.7-kWh storage capacity. The powertrain produces 483 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque. BMW estimates its electric-only range at up to 40 miles.
The RWD BMW X5 sDrive40i and AWD xDrive40i get identical 25-mpg combined ratings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) The high-performance M60i xDrive gets a 19-mpg combined rating. The specialty performance M Competition gets a 15-mpg rating from the EPA. At the time of writing, the EPA has yet to publish a rating for the 2024 xDrive50e.
For 2024, Lexus RX buyers choose among four powertrains, including three hybrids. The 2024 Lexus RX 350 has a 275-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid RX 350h AWD teams a pair of electric motors with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine to produce 246 combined horsepower.
The new-for-2024 RX 450h+ features a PHEV powertrain. It teams a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with two electric drive motors for 302 combined horsepower. In addition to top-notch fuel economy, it offers an EPA-estimated 37-mile driving range on battery power.
The hybrid RX 500h AWD is the highest-performing of the 2024 RX models. It features a turbocharged 2.4-liter gasoline engine with two electric drive motors to deliver 366 hp.
Regarding fuel economy, the turbo-powered RX 350 is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined. The RX 350h gets a 36-mpg combined fuel-economy estimate from the EPA, and the RX 500h gets a 29-mpg combined rating. The RX 450h+ PHEV has a manufacturer-estimated 83-MPGe combined rating. In addition to better fuel economy, the hybrid RX models offer smoother operation and upgraded drivability than the turbocharged RX 350.
Based on my experience driving both vehicles, the F Sport trims don't offer the precise handling of the BMW X5 but deliver better ride quality.
Advantage: BMW X5
2024 Lexus RX 350h Premium AWD
The 2024 BMW X5 offers a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in a grouping it calls Active Driving Assistant. It includes now-typical electronic active safety systems like lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, active blind-spot assistance, and lane-departure warning. Its forward-collision warning system includes low-speed "city" collision mitigation with automatic braking.
While BMW aims to keep its drivers involved to an extent that exceeds many of its competitors, it also equips the X5 with a newly enhanced semi-autonomous system called Highway Assistant. Part of the optional Driving Assistance Professional package, it enables hands-free, autonomous driving on limited-access highways at speeds up to 85 mph. As with similar systems, it advises drivers to always focus on the road ahead and be prepared to assume responsibility for steering.
One unusual aspect of the system is its "Assisted View" in the instrument cluster, offering the driver an overview of the activated systems. A portion of the information screen displays a three-dimensional mockup of the vehicle and its surroundings, including images of the cars, trucks, and motorcycles detected by the cameras and sensors in the driver's current lane and any adjacent lanes.
The X5 Parking Assistant Professional package can store parking maneuvers using GPS data and the trajectory data from steering movements and then perform them in an automated fashion when desired. So, if getting into a parking spot at your condo complex is particularly complicated, it can do it for you once you've performed it once and stored the maneuver.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2024 BMW X5 AWD 4 out of 5 stars for overall crashworthiness. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2024 BMW X5 the highest possible Good rating in all five crashworthiness tests. Still, it stopped short of designating it as a Top Safety Pick.
Lexus fits all 2024 RX SUVs with its roster of ADAS features. It is called Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It includes a typical array of ADAS, plus several technologies one might describe as uncommon. The 2024 Lexus RX's Proactive Driving Assist activates light braking into curves and light braking plus steering assist to maintain the distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist.
The RX's Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist (automatic emergency steering) applies easy braking and steering to avoid collisions with objects it detects within the RX's lane. The SUV's Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, or intersection turn assistance, issues a warning to the driver and then automatically applies the brakes if the system calculates the driver is turning left into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
At the time of writing, the NHTSA has not rated the 2024 Lexus RX for overall crashworthiness. The IIHS named the 2024 Lexus RX a Top Safety Pick+ for the 2023 calendar year.
Advantage: BMW X5
2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e
The 2024 BMW X5 offers drivers the latest generation of the BMW iDrive driver/vehicle interface powered by BMW Operating System 8 with a running upgrade to iDrive 8.5. The new-generation software works with upgraded connectivity and data processing to offer X5 occupants better and quicker ways to control the vehicle and its information, entertainment, communications, and navigation systems.
The rejuvenated iDrive in the X5 presents information via two large digital screens placed side by side and covered with a single pane of glass. The 12.3-inch display in front of the driver carries instrumentation. At the same time, the 14.9-inch center touchscreen is the gateway to iDrive functions, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In addition to choosing functions by touch, drivers can also control the system by voice, gestures, and a control/selector knob on the center console. Potential users should be aware that gesture control as a category has proven to be very problematic in virtually every in-vehicle installation monitored by JD Power. The 2024 X5 offers a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging.
The 2024 Lexus RX offers its occupants a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 14-inch touchscreen is a highly desirable option. The Lexus/Toyota-developed infotainment system is easy to use and offers a robust feature set. It doesn't require a long learning curve, partly because its menu operations mimic those found in smartphones.
The Lexus screens provide clearly labeled icons, supplemented by an on/off/volume knob at the center of the touchscreen's bottom edge. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections that work reliably.
Lexus provides RX buyers with a three-year trial of its Direct Connect suite of connected services that provides cloud-based integral navigation, destination assistance, and voice control. The 2024 RX also offers a head-up display, active parking assistance, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.
Advantage: Lexus RX
2024 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD
The 2024 BMW X5 increases its previously high levels of interior luxury and functionality. On the dashboard, the center control display enables BMW to reduce the number of buttons and knobs. Automated memory functions prevent this from being much of an issue for X5 owners who use those functions for things like seat and mirror adjustments.
For lighting enthusiasts, the X5 interior includes an ambient light bar that offers LED backlighting, varied lighting schemes, and 15 colors. Another lighting feature is the puddle-lamp function that projects on the tarmac beside each X5 when you unlock the doors.
The center console incorporates the iDrive controller, the engine start/stop button, the buttons activating the electric parking brake, and the settings for the optional air suspension. It also houses the Driving Experience Control buttons and the new toggle-style gear selector.
The standard sport seats covered in a synthetic leather called Sensafin are well-shaped and provide some lateral support. For those who like high-g cornering, the X5 offers more deeply contoured sport seats that buyers can equip with ventilation and massage functions. If Sensafin isn't your thing, Merino leather-clad seats are available in four colors.
The 2024 BMW X5 offers a spacious interior with excellent seating accommodations for five. Based on personal experience, the front seats are the most comfortable. Still, the rear seat will accommodate three adults with good leg, hip, shoulder, and headroom. With both rows of seats in use, the X5 offers an ample 33.9 cubic feet of luggage space. With the rear seatback folded, it provides 72.3 cubic feet of cargo area. Many X5 trims will tow more than 5,000 pounds.
The 2024 Lexus RX shows the brand is paying more attention than ever to delivering luxurious interiors. For a midsize luxury crossover, interior space is good, but the RX doesn't provide the interior room of the BMW X5. However, the RX delivers design choices that let buyers tailor the cabin to their liking. The four trim styles feature ash, bamboo, black open-pore wood, and dark-finished aluminum. Buyers can also choose from among six interior color schemes.
The front bucket seats in the RX offer good bolstering while remaining easy to get into. The front seats in the performance-look F Sport trims offer deeper bolstering, and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel and aluminum pedals accompany the sport seats. A retractable panoramic roof is available, and the optional 14-theme ambient lighting adds lilt to the interior.
With the rear seats in use, the Lexus RX has 29.6 cubic feet of luggage space. With the rear seatbacks folded, the space increases to 46.2 cubic feet. The 40/20/40 power-operated split-folding rear bench seat provides versatility and offers optional heating and ventilation. You can open or close the power-operated liftgate via buttons on the key fob, dashboard, and the gate itself. An optional kick sensor makes the operation hands-free. Most 2024 Lexus RX trims have a towing capacity of 3,494 pounds.
Advantage: BMW X5
If you'd like to learn more about these premium SUVs, be sure to read our expert reviews of the BMW X5, BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid, BMW X5 M, Lexus RX, and the Lexus RX Plug-in Hybrid. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please keep in mind that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on November 6, 2023, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, which is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
Following a refresh for the 2026 model year, the 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup brings back two familiar variants, the go-anywhere Trailhawk and the premium-yet-capable Overland, offering buyers ...See More
Read the Full Article
Chrysler, the company that launched the modern minivan segment in 1984, is giving its popular 2027 Chrysler Pacifica a nose job and introducing a special edition commemorating America’s 250th ...See More
Read the Full Article
An all-new GMC Sierra 1500 debuts for the 2027 model year, featuring next-generation V8 engines, a premium interior with wide digital displays, and class-exclusive luxury and technology features on ...See More
Read the Full Article
With the 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee, Ram aims to revive the domestic muscle truck segment by offering a trio of Hemi V8 engines, including the 777-horsepower Rumble Bee SRT.
Read the Full Article